Community associations across North Carolina often face significant challenges when attempting to amend their Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (declaration). While the declaration is critical for maintaining community standards, amending the document can be a complex and arduous process, particularly when relying on a vote at a formal meeting. Read the article…………………………….
How Bankruptcy Affects Homeowners Associations (HOAs)
Bankruptcy can have significant financial implications for Homeowners Associations (HOAs), as it directly impacts assessment payments and community funding. When homeowners file for bankruptcy, the HOA becomes one of their creditors, which can lead to financial uncertainty for the association. Understanding how different types of bankruptcy filings impact HOA dues can help communities navigate these […]
Why HOA Architectural Approval Matters & How to Get It
The Architectural Control Committee (ACC)/Architectural Review Committee (ARC) plays a crucial role in maintaining property values and preserving the aesthetics of an HOA community. Without these guidelines, homeowners could make drastic, unapproved changes—leading to visual inconsistencies, legal disputes, and declining home values. Read the article…………………………….
Spring Landscaping Ideas for HOA Homeowners
Maintaining your home’s landscaping is a great way to do good for your homeowners’ association (HOA)—and your personal property. With pleasant weather, green grass growing, and flowers in bloom, spring is the perfect time to get things done. Read on to discover spring landscaping ideas for homeowners that are cost-effective and typically community compliant. Read […]
Why Financial Transparency Matters
Trust is the cornerstone of a thriving homeowners association, and nothing erodes trust faster than financial uncertainty. When homeowners don’t know where their dues are going, it creates confusion, frustration, and unnecessary tension between residents and board members. On the other hand, when financial transparency is a priority, communities operate with confidence, collaboration, and accountability. […]
The Challenge of Profitability in Management Companies
This month, CAM Leadership Institute’s CEO Adam Balkcom had the opportunity to sit down with Matthew Davidson, COO of Action Management, for an upcoming CEO Group Mastermind training. When discussing management company profitability, he made a statement that resonated deeply: “Profits in this industry are like threading a needle. They are thin.” To achieve long-term […]
Monthly Condo Charges Rose Nearly 9% in Fourth Quarter of 2024 (NY)
Last week we reported that the average price of Manhattan condos far outstripped the average price of co-ops over the past decade. Average condo prices were up 15.2% (to around $2.84 million), while co-ops went down 1.3% (to $1.33 million). Read the article…………………………….
The Future of HOA Security: Smart Systems and Solutions
Homeowners’ associations (HOAs) have a responsibility to provide a safe and secure environment for their residents. As technology evolves, so do the solutions available to enhance community security. Traditional security measures such as gate guards, key-based entry, and security patrols are being supplemented – or even replaced – by smart security systems that offer real-time […]
Best HOA Board Nomination Statement Examples
Homeowners’ Association (HOA) board elections play a key role in shaping a well-managed and thriving community. If you’re thinking about running for a position, your HOA board nomination statement is your chance to introduce yourself, highlight your qualifications, and explain why you’re the right choice. Read the article…………………………….
Emotional Support Animals: Balancing Reasonable Accommodations and Access Restrictions (IL)
Navigating the complexities of reviewing and responding to requests for an emotional support animal can be challenging enough but the difficulty in responding to the requests can be further heightened in community associations that prohibit certain animals or prohibit the presence of animals altogether. How can a community association respond to a request for an […]
Dealing with Bullies in your HOA: How to Stop to Destructive Behavior
A thriving HOA board is one comprised of members focused on doing what is best for the association. All it takes for disruption and sometimes, total chaos, is one board member who exhibits bullying behavior toward others. The Merriam Webster dictionary defines bullying as, “to treat someone in a cruel, insulting, threatening, or aggressive fashion.” […]
How to Build a Financially Stable HOA: Best Practices for Budgeting
Your HOA’s financial health goes beyond making sure the bills get paid, it’s about setting your community up for long-term success. As a board member, apart from approving expenses, you’re also the guardian of financial stability. Budgeting, planning, and smart money management are key to ensuring your HOA can handle anything from routine maintenance to […]
HOA Plantasy
As homeowner associations age, both structures and landscape wear out. And just like those groovy harvest golds and avocado greens of the 70s, landscape tastes have changed. Fortunately, the varieties of plants available have made the options wonderful and numerous. The best news of all is that creative use of these options coupled with the […]
No, Oklahoma does not have a law prohibiting covenants or HOAs from restricting solar panels
Some solar panel installers and even attorneys are representing that Oklahoma statutes prohibit the restriction of solar panels by restrictive covenants in residential neighborhoods. It isn’t true, but even AI pushes the false narrative. What follows is the top line AI Overview for a Google search “Oklahoma solar panel law”: Read the article…………………………….
Budget and Reserve Reminders for Associations
As we close out the books for 2024 and begin audits, it is a good time to take a second look at our budget and financials for 2025. Here are some items that the associations should take a second look at before 2025 gets away from us. Read the article…………………………….
Champlain Towers South (Surfside, FL) Collapse Investigation
In the early morning of June 24, 2021, the eastern half of the twelve-story Champlain Towers South Condominium collapsed, killing ninety-eight residents of the forty-year-old building in Surfside, Florida. WJE was retained by attorneys representing the condominium association to determine the cause of the collapse and provide litigation support. Watch the webinar……………………….
The 6 Top HOA Rules that Homeowners Overlook (And How to Avoid Them)
HOA rules are made to ensure the community can grow and be maintained for the benefit of all residents. However, not every rule is followed, despite the best efforts of the board and residents. Here are the most common rules overlooked and how you can keep them from being ignored. Read the article…………………………….
Florida’s Condo Regulations Put Seniors in Crisis and Threaten Economy
As a real estate and community association attorney with decades of experience, I’ve witnessed the transformative impact of legislation on our housing markets. Florida’s recent condominium safety regulations, born from the tragic collapse of the Champlain Towers South, are well-intentioned measures aimed at ensuring structural integrity and protecting lives. However, their unintended consequences are creating […]
HOA Technology Tools You Should Be Using in 2025
Homeowners’ associations (HOAs) manage everything from finances to maintenance, homeowner communication, and compliance with local laws. With evolving technology, HOA boards and property managers now have access to powerful tools that make management more efficient and transparent. The right technology can help streamline processes, reduce manual work, and improve homeowner satisfaction. Read the article…………………………….
Construction Defect Claims and Insurance Defense: What Community Associations Need to Know
Condominium, homeowner (HOA), and townhome community associations can face construction defect issues that can lead to costly legal disputes. Defects in design, workmanship, or materials can cause significant property damage and safety concerns that can leave associations to navigate repair costs, resident complaints, and potential litigation. Read the article…………………………….
The Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting a Bulletproof HOA Budget
A homeowners association budget is the financial blueprint that keeps a community association running smoothly. Without a well-planned budget, maintaining property values, funding necessary repairs, and covering day-to-day expenses becomes a challenge. For board members, the budgeting process can feel overwhelming—balancing income and expenses, preparing for unexpected costs, and keeping reserve funds at the right […]
Requirements for NC Real Estate Brokers That Manage Associations
Community managers of larger homeowner and condominium associations often hold professional designations that demonstrate their expertise and experience in managing association responsibilities. These credentials signify specialized training in financial oversight, legal compliance, and operational management, ensuring associations are efficiently and ethically managed. Read the article…………………………….
Can HOAs use garnishment to collect unpaid fees? (CT)
Homeowners’ association (HOA) members have a fiduciary duty to their community. That is, they must act in the best interests of the other homeowners. Sometimes, that duty encompasses the difficult job of collecting unpaid HOA fees. Read the article…………………………….
What Is a Lien on a Property? Insights From Your HOA Law Firm (GA)
What is a lien on a property and how does it affect your community? Whether you’re a board member or a homeowner, understanding your community’s collection guidelines and terminology can aid in protecting your finances as well as the health of your homeowner’s association. While the collections process may be elaborate, starting with the basics […]
Why Large-Scale HOA Communities Are Reshaping Property Management—And What It Means for the Future
The housing development landscape is going through a period of significant transformation. Large-scale residential complexes and planned communities are redefining the HOA environment. These expansive neighborhoods, designed to address nationwide housing shortages while simultaneously allowing real estate developers to maximize returns, are reshaping the world of community association management. Read the article…………………………….
Manhattan Co-op’s Decarbonization Costs Slashed with Rebate for Heat Pumps (NY)
Faced with an aging and unreliable oil-fired boiler, Stanton Young, the board president at a small seven-unit Upper West Side co-op, was tempted to make the relatively simple switch to gas. “A new boiler would have been easier,” he says. However, a Con Edison clean heat rebate presented an opportunity. Replacing the old boiler with […]
Is Your Community Becoming a Zombie Condo Association? A Board Member’s Guide
If you had a nickel for every time Axela talked about zombies, you’d have two nickels, which isn’t a lot but it’s weird that it happened twice, right? But here we are, talking about zombies again. Zombie condo associations, to be exact. What they are, why they’re potentially rising up, and how to hold off […]
Three Ways to Reduce and Handle HOA Board Resignations
Many homeowners are eager to get involved in their HOA, often volunteering to serve on the HOA board of directors to help improve their community. Some board members bring professional expertise—like CPAs serving as treasurers—while others are motivated by a desire to contribute to the well-being and success of their neighborhood. Read the article…………………………….
Energy Efficiency Measures: Extra Energy or a Drain on Associations? (CO)
The terms “energy” and “efficient” are used every day in all aspects of life, whether it is on a local or global scale. Homeowners associations are not immune from these terms and their application. The Colorado Common Interest Ownership Act (“CCIOA“) includes an entire section (106.7) that addresses energy efficiency measures with respect to associations. Read […]
Who Pays for EV Charging Stations in Chicago Condos?
As electric vehicle (EV) adoption grows, more condominium associations in Chicago are grappling with the question of how to handle EV charging stations. The primary concerns are installation costs, ongoing electricity usage, and maintenance. Who bears financial responsibility? At HausFS, we are beginning to encounter this challenge with our clients. Read the article…………………………….
Now Is the Time to Adopt Hurricane Protection Specifications (FL)
In a few short months, the 2025 hurricane season will be upon us, and it is important to start planning ahead. For many years, the Condominium Act provided that each board of a residential condominium was required to adopt hurricane “shutter” specifications including color, style, and other factors deemed relevant by the board. The Homeowners’ […]
Don’t Breach your HOA Fiduciary Duty!
Breach of HOA Fiduciary Duty is the #1 legal claim against board members—costing millions in legal fees. In this episode, Kevin Davis & Robert Nordlund explain how HOA boards can stay compliant, protect their association, and avoid costly lawsuits. Learn the four key principles of fiduciary duty: duty of care, loyalty, obedience, and transparency—and how […]
Hoarding in Community Associations
Community association managers and board members often find themselves dealing with the mental illness of a resident; especially if the resident has no family members willing to help. Hoarding has especially grown in prevalence in community associations. Many associations find themselves wondering how to deal with a hoarder or suspected hoarder. https://www.floridacondohoalawblog.com/2025/02/26/hoarding-in-community-associations/
HOA Presence & Presents
At the core of every homeowner association is the principle of “volunteerism.” It is a noble calling which calls for personal sacrifice — giving up self interest for the greater good. Americans, arguably the most self-indulgent citizens of the world, have a curious ability to rise to the occasion and give of themselves. Americans donate […]
Neighbor Noisy Bird Concerns? Here’s How HOAs Can Address It
Dealing with a neighbor’s noisy bird can be a tricky situation for any HOA. Birds are beautiful creatures, but sometimes their loud calls or singing can disrupt the peace of a neighborhood. Board members of an HOA must understand how to address noisy bird complaints that come from homeowners. Sometimes, they might not need addressing […]
Board Member Certification & Continuing Education Requirements (FL)
Due to the new legislation, there are various requirements for HOA and condo board members, and understanding them is crucial. To make it easier to understand, we’ve crafted the table below, which overviews key certification mandates, including deadlines and continuing education, focusing on changes effective July 1, 2024. Read the article…………………………….
6 Reasons a Board Should Hold an HOA Executive Session
An HOA board of directors has the legal right to hold private meetings, known as executive sessions, to discuss confidential matters that affect the association. These sessions are governed by state laws and HOA bylaws, ensuring that sensitive topics are handled appropriately. Understanding when and how to hold an HOA executive session is essential for […]
How Often Should A Reserve Study Be Done?
Every community is ever-changing in its unique physical and financial status and needs. Plans change, component deterioration happens, and economic factors can reshape the way an association tackles maintenance and financial planning. Because of these natural disruptions to a reserve study’s plans, updating your reserve study is crucial to maintain an accurate understanding of your […]
Beware: There are NO approved Continuing Education Courses for Board Members To Date (FL)
We have received numerous emails and calls from board members stating that they have found course providers offering continuing education courses for board members. In lieu of this, we reached out to our contacts at both the DBPR and the Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares & Mobile Homes and we have confirmed that there are […]
Five Tips for Maintaining Compliance with OSHA Standards
Maintaining compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards is essential to fostering a culture of workplace safety, protecting employees, and avoiding citations and penalties. Here are five actionable tips to help you navigate OSHA requirements effectively and ensure your workplace remains compliant. Read the article…………………………….
Grills Causing Community Associations to Feel the Heat from Insurance Companies (CO)
As many common interest community owners and boards likely know, finding association insurance at a reasonable rate in Colorado is becoming more difficult. One of the reasons for this is that Colorado is the state with the third-highest wildfire risk, with Colorado’s 20 largest recorded wildfires occurring in the last 2 decades. In 8 of […]
Understanding Your Community Association’s Insurance Coverage
Protecting your community’s finances and assets is essential, and just as homeowners insurance protects individual properties, community association insurance protects your community. Various scenarios, from fallen trees on common property to injuries at the pool or damage to entrance monuments, highlight the importance of having the right insurance. Community association insurance ensures that the structures, […]
Rules and Regulation (FL)
Most condominium, cooperative and homeowner association documents provide the Association with the power to adopt (or you may see the term “promulgate”) rules and regulations. This article will discuss some of the various trips and traps for you to avoid regarding same. Read the article…………………………….
Information Is Key
It can be difficult to keep up with the seemingly never-ending stream of information nowadays. This is especially true if you are joining your condominium’s board of directors for the first time. Given all the new laws and new requirements that have been brought about these last few years with amendments to the laws governing […]
Handling Conflict Within HOAs: Mediation Tips for Resolving Disputes
Conflicts between board members and residents are an inevitable part of managing a homeowner’s association (HOA). Whether it’s disagreements about rule enforcement, budget allocations, or community projects, unresolved conflicts can lead to frustration, mistrust, and a breakdown in community harmony. The key to maintaining a thriving HOA lies in addressing disputes proactively, transparently, and collaboratively. […]
Those Damn Ice Dams (MN)
Scott Hurm from Crest Exteriors has been presenting all month long at chapter meetings on the ice dams. While winter has been a bit forgiving in the ice and snow department this year so far, there are some HOAs in the metro reporting ice dam trouble, and there’s plenty of winter yet to wreak even […]
Reserve Studies 101: The Component List (2025)
What’s the basis for every reserve study? It all starts with the components. But what qualifies as a reserve component? What about insurance? In our Reserve Studies 101 webinar, we’ll take a deeper look at the reserve component list so you can better understand your reserve study, how components affect your reserve study, what different […]